In late October 2025, the severe cyclonic storm Cyclone Montha made landfall along India’s eastern coast, posing a significant threat to life, infrastructure, and agriculture. As the hurricane-force winds and torrential rainfall struck regions from Andhra Pradesh to Odisha and beyond, it quickly became a critical event demanding urgent response and preparedness.

What is Cyclone Montha & how it formed

  • The storm developed over the southeast Bay of Bengal and was classified by the India Meteorological Department (IMD) as a Severe Cyclonic Storm as it approached the coast. AP News+1

  • At landfall, wind speeds were estimated at 90-100 km/h, gusting up to 110 km/h, as reported by the IMD. mint+1

  • The name “Montha” was contributed by Thailand, and in Thai the word means “a fragrant flower” — quite ironic given the destructive nature of the storm. The Times of India+1

Impact on the ground

Affected regions & damage

  • Montha made landfall between Machilipatnam and Kalingapatnam off the coast of Andhra Pradesh, near Kakinada. mint+1

  • In Andhra Pradesh: Schools closed, thousands evacuated, power lines snapped, heavy rainfall caused flooding and tree-falls. The Times of India+1

  • In Odisha: Landslides, widespread disruption of normal life in 15 districts. mint

  • Agriculture: In Andhra alone, around 1.76 lakh hectares of crops damaged (standing crop + horticulture). mint

  • Casualties: A woman died when a tree collapsed onto her house in Konaseema district, Andhra Pradesh. www.ndtv.com+1

Evacuation & preparedness

  • More than 38,000 people evacuated in Andhra Pradesh, and thousands more in Odisha. AP News+1

  • The state administrations prepared hundreds of relief camps and shelters ahead of the landfall. Reuters

  • Alerts: Red and orange alerts issued in multiple districts, advisories for fishermen to stay off the sea. Sky News+1

What made Montha significant

  • It reaffirmed the vulnerability of India’s east-coast to cyclonic storms during the October–November period.

  • The combination of strong winds, heavy rainfall, potential storm surge and flooding made it a multi-hazard event.

  • Montha highlighted how climate change and warming sea-surface temperatures are contributing to more frequent/intense storms in the region. AP News

Safety & preparedness tips (especially relevant for coastal & low-lying areas)

  1. Evacuate early: If authorities issue evacuation orders, don’t wait until the last minute. Flood-waters and wind-damage escalate quickly.

  2. Secure loose items: Doors, windows, outdoor furniture, trees near homes – strong gusts can cause major damage.

  3. Avoid coastal zones during storm approach: High tides, storm surge, large waves and sea-spray pose major risk.

  4. Sibling hazard awareness: Landslides, flash floods, fallen power lines are common in aftermath—stay alert.

  5. Relief kit & communication plan: Water, food, torch, first-aid kit, important documents waterproofed; keep mobile power bank ready.

  6. Keep tuned to official updates: Use trusted sources (like IMD bulletins) and follow warnings even after the landfall phase—the weather can stay dangerous.

Looking ahead: recovery & resilience

  • After the storm subsides, rapid restoration of power, water, roads and communications is vital for normal life and economic recovery.

  • Agriculture recovery will be a key challenge: With extensive crop losses, support to farmers (seeds, fodder, compensation) will matter.

  • Strengthening coastal defenses (sea-walls, embankments), enhancing early-warning systems, better community-level preparedness—all these are longer-term needs.

  • Given the likelihood of more such storms, building resilient infrastructure and broad community awareness becomes imperative.

    Aftermath: Assessing the Damage

    Once the storm passed, the focus shifted to recovery and rebuilding.

    • Power restoration: Thousands of electricity workers were deployed to reconnect lines.

    • Agriculture relief: The state governments announced crop compensation and seed subsidies.

    • Infrastructure repairs: Roads, schools, and health centers damaged by floods were prioritized for restoration.

    • Sanitation drive: To prevent waterborne diseases, special drives were organized in cyclone-hit areas.

    The financial toll is still being calculated, but preliminary estimates suggest hundreds of crores in damages — a reminder of how expensive natural disasters can be for developing economies.

    Lessons from Montha: Building a Cyclone-Resilient Future

    1. Invest in early-warning systems – faster, more localized alerts save lives.

    2. Strengthen coastal infrastructure – cyclone shelters, embankments, and mangroves act as natural defenses.

    3. Empower local communities – training in first aid, evacuation, and disaster communication is crucial.

    4. Integrate climate resilience into policy – urban planning, agriculture, and energy must all factor in extreme weather.

    5. Leverage technology – drones, satellite imaging, and AI forecasting can revolutionize disaster response.